Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion Review

Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion
3.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Caramel, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Algin, Magnesium Sulfate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Manganese Sulfate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Caffeine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Glycerin, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Red 4 (CI 14700), Magnesium Aspartate, Oleyl Alcohol, Zinc Gluconate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Copper Gluconate, Ethyl Linoleate, Red 33 (CI 17200), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Review

Does Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.1 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 5.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%) and Stearic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Caffeine, Copper Gluconate, and Ascorbyl Palmitate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Sun Bum Natural Browning Lotion is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caramel
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Algin
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Manganese Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aspartate
Function:
Origin:
Oleyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenyl Triacetate
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.4
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.4 20
5.2
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 10.4 20
5.2
All occlusives
10.4
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper Gluconate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.3
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
3
Hydrolyzed Algin
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed ExtractAn antioxidant and emollient extract derived from coffee beans. It has been proven to improve collagen and elastin production in the skin. A small clinical study tested the anti-aging effects of coffee berry extract, and the results were very promising.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Stearic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Caramel
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
CaramelA natural ingredient that is derived from the heat treatment of table sugar. Caramel is used in skincare as a natural colorant that can create transparent, dark brown solutions. It also works as a fragrance, where it provides a sweet, sugary scent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Hydrolyzed Algin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed AlginA humectant moisturizing mixture of algae-based polysaccharides, also known as alginate, that have undergone the process of hydrolysis.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Manganese Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Manganese Sulfate
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed OilThis name can imply two different ingredients: a fatty emollient and occlusive carrot seed oil, or a fragrant and antimicrobial essential carrot seed oil.
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil extracted from green coffee beans. It is the only source of antioxidant diterpene esters - cafestol and kahweol.
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Hispanica Seed OilAn oil extracted from Chia seeds. It has a unique ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it the richest source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains antioxidant phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed OilDerived from the seeds of the famous Hawaiian kukui nut tree, this oil is a great emollient and occlusive moisturizer that is rich in fatty acids.
Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 6 (CI 15985)A petroleum-derived reddish-yellow dye, also known as Sunset Yellow. It is the third most used pigment in food, cosmetics, and drugs.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractA soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 4 (CI 14700)A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.
Magnesium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium AspartateA humectant salt of aspartic acid, a common amino acid found in the body. According to the manufacturer, magnesium aspartate in skincare products supports the supply of magnesium to skin cells.
Oleyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleyl Alcohol
Zinc Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc GluconateOne of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-acne products. It is an organic salt of zinc that helps to combat microbial infections, soothes and heals inflamed pimples, and regulates hormones in the skin.
Panthenyl Triacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panthenyl Triacetate
Copper Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper GluconateAn organic salt of copper that can aid in the wound healing process. The manufacturer claims it also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, although this has yet to be confirmed. Copper gluconate is also a perspective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Ethyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linoleate
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 (CI 17200)Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.